2003 Sassicaia
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Sassicaia is another shockingly beautiful wine. Rich, opulent and layered in the glass, the 2003 captures all the ripeness of this unrelentingly hot, dry year, and yet it does so with no excess at all. I admire the 2003's explosive energy and stunning balance. Location of key vineyards and the ability to blend across sites were clearly advantages in mitigating intense heat and lack of rain. Obviously the magnum format helps to a considerable degree. The 2023 spent 15 days on the skins followed by 24 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Eye-opening.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This is a special Sassicaia that shows so much richness and density. Layered and ripe fruited. Hints of vanilla and wood. Full body, round texture and intense. Showing beautiful length and intensity.
The 2003 Bolgheri Sassicaia is full of unexpected twists and turns. Oddly enough, this vintage offered more overall freshness and balance than the much-celebrated 2004 edition. We all know that 2003 was a very difficult year with scorching hot temperatures that broke all records. Instead of jammy flavors or overt ripeness, this wine has embraced an all-balsam aromatic profile instead. The bouquet opens to dried cassis or red currant with eucalyptus, cola, grilled rosemary and medicinal herb. The tannins are silky and fully integrated within the wine's thick textural richness. There are areas that feel flat and sedate, but this is an impressive effort overall that shows impressive stability considering the challenges of the growing season.
‘Big and rustic in its early stages’, said technical director Sebastiano Rosa. More herbal and perfumed and open than the 2006. Black olives – very similar to the 2003 Guidalberto in vintage characteristics. Savoury and mouthwatering on the palate. Dry, savoury length. Like a food. Very satisfying and nourishing. Tannins seem to have more grip than the 2006, less refined, less mineral. More rustic and a little drier on the finish than the 06. 17.5/20 points (JH)
About the producer
Tentuta San Guido produces Sassicaia – Italy’s most famous wine. An icon from the Bolgheri coastline of Tuscany, made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, its rise to prominence in the late 1970s sparked the Super Tuscan revolution.